“Dancing with the Stars”
These stars can’t change other people’s fear or hatred. But they can change us and root us in our own lives, unwilling to disappear.
Mitzvot, Not Memberships
But true spiritual engagement requires a transformation: a deep, shared commitment to living Jewish values and performing mitzvot together.
Parenting the Children We Have
We all have a theory of parenting—and then we have the reality of parenting the children that we actually get.
Choosing Peace After 9-11
Will we allow religion to lead us to violence, or will we allow it to lead us towards kindness and community?
Hand Him the Towel Again
Kristen was heartbroken over the loss of something she could never replace, and she was also his mother, and her love for him was so much bigger than her grief over a thing.
Missing Cries of Shofar
If the shofar is meant to help God choose to have mercy, or help us remember and choose our better selves, how does this season “work” with the missing shofar blows?
Getting to the Starting Line
Teshuvah reminds us that we are, in fact, enough. Even in the moment when it feels furthest away, all we have to do is take the first step.
How Do We Talk about Hagar in Multifaith Settings?
Although it is a challenging story, I think we lose an important opportunity by glossing over Hagar in the Jewish tradition.
9/11/26 and Rosh Hashanah: Days To Remember
Clal Reflects on Rosh Hashanah, the High Holidays, and the 25th Anniversary of September 11, 2001.
Swimming Under an Apocalyptic Sun
Apocalyptic times are scary, but as my movie and poetry teachers remind me, they also reveal our most intrinsic selves, and therefore what is most important to us.